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German private law is the foundation of EU law and the model for dozens of legal systems worldwide — study law where European legal tradition is deepest
LeonardoGerman law is one of the most influential legal systems in the world. The German Civil Code (BGB), enacted in 1900, became a model for the civil codes of more than 40 countries — from Japan and South Korea to Greece and Turkey. EU private law and commercial law are deeply shaped by German legal scholarship and the decisions of the Federal Court of Justice (Bundesgerichtshof). Germany has the EU's largest legal services market and is home to the German offices of virtually every major international law firm. For students of law, Germany offers rigorous training in the civil law tradition, direct engagement with EU legal development, and free tuition — making it one of the world's most compelling and accessible destinations for legal education.
Why Study Legal Sciences in Germany
German civil law (BGB) influenced the legal systems of 40+ countries — study law where European private law originates
EU law is deeply shaped by German legal scholarship and the Bundesgerichtshof's jurisprudence
Germany has the EU's largest legal services market — exceptional career opportunities
Free tuition at public law faculties — outstanding value for a country of this legal prestige
All major international law firms have significant German offices — direct access to global legal employers
Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Berlin are major German and EU legal centers
Practical Facts for Law Students in Germany
| Typical tuition | Free at public universities — ~€300/semester Semesterbeitrag |
|---|---|
| Program duration | First State Exam typically 4–5 years; LLM (international) 1 year |
| Language of instruction | German (primary for Staatsexamen); English LLM programs widely available |
| Visa | Required for non-EU students |
| Main study cities | Munich (LMU), Frankfurt (Goethe), Berlin (HU, FU), Hamburg, Heidelberg, Cologne |
| Key institutions | LMU Munich, HU Berlin, Goethe University Frankfurt, University of Hamburg, Heidelberg University |
Career Paths After Graduating
- Lawyer in private practice — commercial, corporate, or litigation
- In-house counsel at a German or international corporation
- EU law specialist and regulatory affairs adviser
- Judge or public prosecutor in the German court system
- International arbitration practitioner
- Legal academic and researcher
- Compliance officer in German financial or industrial sector
